Giving FAQs

How much do I need to give?

Gifts of every size are important and are greatly appreciated. While large gifts are needed and valuable, there is no gift that is too small to help BSM students. Every $20, $50 or $100 gift helps to provide outstanding faculty, staff, scholarships, programs and facilities for today’s and tomorrow’s students.

How do I designate funds to a particular program, scholarship or building project?

When you complete the online giving form you can direct your gift(s) to a specific campaign priority or another specific area by making a comment in the "Note" box. You can also specify your intention enclosed with your check. If you have questions about ensuring that your gift is directed properly, please contact Lisa Shaughnessy, Chief Advancement Officer at 952-915-4351 or lshaughnessy@bsmschool.org

If I do not designate my gift to a particular fund and it is unrestricted, how will the money be used?

Unrestricted gifts are vital to the well-being of BSM because they allow resources to be directed to where they are needed immediately or where future opportunities are greatest.

How can I maximize my estate plans with a gift to BSM?

By including BSM in your will, living trust, or as beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy, you receive benefits in addition to tax savings and retention of your assets. The Spiritus Society recognizes donors who include BSM in their estate plans. If you would like more information or have questions about estate planning, please contact Lisa Shaughnessy, Chief Advancement Officer at 952-915-4351 or lshaughnessy@bsmschool.org

What is an endowment gift?

An endowment gift is a contribution that becomes an asset for BSM, and the principal enters a permanent investment account. Only a portion of each year’s earned interest on the principal is spent on the charitable purpose (a scholarship, for example). The rest is reinvested; increasing the principal in the account, also increasing the next year’s earnings. Donors can establish endowments at BSM with a total gift of $50,000. Any amount can be contributed to an existing endowed fund.

How do I make a memorial or tribute gift?

Include specific information with your online gift or with a note enclosed in a mailed gift.

What is the deadline for making gifts in a particular fiscal year?

June 30 is the end of BSM’s fiscal year. All gifts must be received in the Advancement Office by June 30 to be included in that fiscal year’s stewardship-report recognition. (For example: To have a gift credited to fiscal year 2017, it must be received in the Advancement Office between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019.)

Who do I contact if I have questions about my gift?

Contact the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Advancement Office staff. Staff members will be happy to assist you with any of your questions about the campaign or your gift. Please contact Lisa Shaughnessy, Chief Advancement Officer at 952-915-4351 or lshaughnessy@bsmschool.org.